Reality Pro: Leak provides many details about the Apple VR and AR headset

Apple’s first mixed reality headset for AR and VR content, Reality Pro, is expected to be released this year. However, it is still unclear whether this also applies to Germany or only the US. Now new leaks are making the rounds, revealing more details.

Reality Pro leak reveals details

Rumors have been swirling around Apple’s MR headset Reality Pro for some time now, after just since May 2022 hints of an approaching release have been growing. Last fall, the company also secured the brand names Reality One and Reality Pro, which are said to be related to the HMD.

Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman now provides new details about the roughly $3,000 headset, which is supposed to enable switching between AR and VR modes, in several leaks. According to the leaks, Apple is also planning a paragraph for corporate solutions such as virtual meetings and immersive videos. According to Gurman, Apple wants to bring something “completely new to the table”.

Operation should be possible without a controller and via head, eye and hand tracking. The headset is supposed to be able to recognize inputs via several outward-facing cameras and internal sensors. In addition, the headset would have a rotating crown, as known from the Apple Watch. It is supposed to enable switching between AR and VR.

The operating system xrOS is supposed to be a three-dimensional version of iOS with a similar structure, including the home screen, apps and widgets. This is intended to make it easier for long-time fans to get started and navigate. However, there will be a separate app store with its own applications.

In VR mode, content is displayed on a high-resolution screen, while digital content is superimposed on the real view in AR. Thanks to Passthrough mode, this also works without openings at the front.

Apple Reality Pro: use possible without iPhone

Furthermore, Gurman reports that the Apple Reality Pro can be used independently and without an iPhone or other Apple devices. Apparently, an adapted version of Apple’s M2 chip is installed, which is supported by a specially developed Reality chip for graphics performance. A small fan is also said to be built in.

The batteries are supposed to be outsourced and not integrated into the headset, also to prevent heat problems. One battery pack is supposed to be about the size of two stacked iPhone 14 Pro Max batteries and allow a runtime of about two hours.

In addition, high-quality materials like aluminum and glass are to be used. The design would be reminiscent of the AirPods Max, while the curved display should also be able to show the wearer’s eyes to the outside.

Collaboration with Mac and AppleTV+

Furthermore, according to the leak, the Reality Pro should be able to be used as an external display for a connected Mac and display immersive video content. Video calls via Facetime are also possible, in which the face and body are to be displayed in virtual reality. This should create the feeling that two people talking via VR are in the same room.

Gurman also reports that Apple has been working with various media partners to develop VR content, including several film and audio companies such as Disney and Dolby.

It also plans to develop its own content in the form of special VR videos that will be made available via AppleTV+. Sports content in VR is to be offered thanks to Next VR, a company acquired almost three years ago, while gaming is also to play a role.

However, it still remains unclear when the AR and VR headset Apple Reality Pro will be released. At any rate, with a price of $3,000, it is not aimed at the mass market. Gurman therefore assumes that a cheaper model could follow in 2024, which would then compete with Meta Quest Pro or the new HTX Vive XR Elite in terms of price.